Christen issued a news release March 6 that said early last month a man stopped the boy, who was walking home from school, and groped the child's genitals.

The press release was issued a day after the boy reported the incident, which is believed to have happened about 3:30 p.m. around Feb. 5 in the 100 block of South Pleasant Avenue, just two blocks from Centennial Elementary School.

Authorities are looking for the man based on the boy's detailed description.

The man physically stopped the boy and groped him, but did not speak to the youth, according to the release. The boy told police he hit the man in the face, causing him to release the child, who ran home.

"The juvenile decided not to tell anyone about the incident until now," the release said.

Before the incident, the boy had seen the man five different times in the area of South Prairie Avenue and East Mason Street, but hadn't spotted him since.

According to the police description, the man is white, between 50 and 60 years old, five feet, 11 inches tall, thin build with bright blue or baby blue eyes and white hair. He was not wearing glasses or gloves.

He had white facial hair that looked like he hadn't shaved in several days, according to the police.

The man's upper lip was normal but his lower one had a triangular hump in the middle. His fingers were crooked, possibly arthritic.

He was wearing a blue jumpsuit, believed to be coveralls, and a black stocking hat. Under the coveralls was some type of coat with a blue hood that was also pulled up over his stocking hat. He wore black, lace-up winter boots.

Christen, who has been with the department for 24 years, said he has seen "nothing quite like this."

"It's odd how it happened," he said. "The typical thing is they try to lure them away from the street. I have discussed this with my officers. We're keeping an eye out."

Anyone with information on this incident is asked to call the Polo Police Department at 815-946-3412.

Christen said parents should be sure their children have safe methods of travel to school.

"Hopefully, parents are keeping an eye on their kids to make sure they get safely to and from school," he said.

If they must walk, be sure they walk with a friend and make them aware to avoid strangers and to report any suspicious activity immediately, he advised.